Go beyond Costa Rica's tourist hot spots and discover pristine sites left untouched by most visitors. Perfect for return travelers with a taste for adventure.

There's a whole other world to explore outside of Costa Rica's popular tourist areas, and this tour delivers you to the country's best. Step away from the crowds at Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Monteverde on your return visit and embrace the relaxed 'Pura Vida' lifestyle. White water raft your way in to an eco-lodge set in the shimmering rainforest surrounding the Pacuare River. Flanked by steep green walls, the magnificent river was listed by National Geographic as one of the world's top 10 most scenic rivers. Jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and hundreds of species of birds make this tropical environment their home. Meet exotic animals as you explore their habitat on foot, by raft or by kayak. Head to a luxurious estate in the foothills of Cerro Chirripo, the country's tallest mountain and feel your worries slip away as you enjoy spa relaxation and horseback riding through the surrounding valley. Continue to a luxurious eco-lodge on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, with majestic views out to where the Gulfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean.
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Day 1:San José

For your added comfort, you will have an English-speaking assistant waiting for you outside of customs, holding a sign with your name on it. Your representative will guide you to your luggage pickup and will provide you with details on locating your private driver and transportation for your transfer to your hotel.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a country map, and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Accommodation: Grano de Oro

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home with all the amenities of a fine hotel. Hallways lined with period photographs and original art meander through the building and present lush tropical flower arrangements and luxurious plants at every turn. Service is paramount and the perpetually smiling staff of the Hotel Grano de Oro welcome guests to their “home away from home” time and again. Located 20 minutes from the international airport and 10 minutes from the domestic airport, this San José hotel is ideally located for exploring San José, it’s museums and other local sites as well as for enjoying a host of day trips to the rainforest, volcanoes or experiencing the thrill of white water rafting.

San Jose

Grano de Oro Hotel

Day 2:San José - Pacuare River

You'll be met in the hotel lobby early this morning to begin the transfer to the Pacuare River, enjoying a typical Costa Rican breakfast en route along the way. After driving for approximately two hours, you will reach the river andl begin navigating down the Pacuare on an exciting two and a half hour rafting adventure through class II and III rapids to reach Pacuare Lodge by midday.

As an alternative, there is also an option for a transfer in to the lodge by road if desired, rather than by rafting. Please let your sales consultant know your preference.

Included in your stay is an hour-long guided hike through the rainforest surrounding the lodge, allowing you to get accustomed to your surroundings.

A number of optional (not included) activities are also on offer, including a canopy adventure or spa treatments. Otherwise, you may simply relax at the lodge and enjoy the tropical nature and tranquility of this remote and beautiful place.

After a candlelight dinner, visit the upstairs lounge for a cocktail or refreshment before retiring to a restful night’s sleep.

Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge

The Pacuare Lodge is nestled in a rainforest overlooking the Pacuare River, which National Geographic has listed as one of the worlds top ten scenic rivers. Getting to this exquisite eco-lodge is half the adventure, since you arrive and depart as part of a multi-day rafting tour on the Pacuare River. The spacious bungalows on-site contain the following amenities: a canopy king size bed, futon couch, hardwood flooring, private terrace, and a spacious private bathroom adorned with copper fixtures, private alfresco shower with solar heated water, and a nearly 360º rainforest view—all within an area seemingly removed from time and the worries of the outside world, yet just two and a half hours from San José, Costa Rica’s capital city. This property was named one of National Geographic’s Most Unique Lodges in the World.

Day 3:Pacuare River

The day is yours to do as you wish. Spend time exploring the lodge surroundings, or relaxing with a drink in hand at the lounge.

For adventure, a number of optional (not included) tours are available from the lodge. Nature lovers may want to start before breakfast with a daybreak birdwatching tour. Other options are to visit the nearby Cabecar Indian Rancho, for an introduction to the local indigenous culture, or hike to the closest farming community to experience a bit of rural Costa Rican life. Outdoor adventure options include the Canopy Adventure Tour, which takes you gliding between treetop platforms on cables, or Tropical Canyoning, which combines hiking, rock climbing and rappelling. If you prefer the water, you can paddle down a stretch of the Pacuare River in an inflatable duckie. Hikers have several options to choose from: the Bajo del Tigre & Nairi Awari Reserve Hike, which combines visits to the two nearest communities with rainforest hiking; the Cabecar Indian Tour, a more demanding hike to an isolated indigenous home deep in the forest; or the Ancient Trail and Hidden Waterfall Hike, which heads higher into the mountains to a waterfall, taking most of the day.

Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Waterfall

Day 4:Pacuare River - Perez Zeledon

After another great breakfast, you’ll depart by raft for a day of white water rafting that is more exhilarating than the first day (approximately 3½ hours over class III-IV rapids).

This stretch of the Pacuare River flows through canyons and past waterfalls and virgin rainforest. You’re likely to catch glimpses of varied birds and other wildlife during the quiet stretches.

A deli-style lunch will be served on the riverbank enroute, and you’ll have a chance to change into dry clothes at the private luggage store facilities by the river take-out before the drive back to your Hotel Hacieda Alta Gracia.

Private transfer with English speaking professional driver from Pacuare Lodge to Hacienda Alta Gracia.

Savor the remarkable dining choices at AltaGracia that offer a fusion of international cuisine with with a farm-to-table concept. Purity is crafted into every element of the culinary agenda in AltaGracia; your every sense will be amazed with this world-class culinary encounter.

Casa Grande is home to the entertainment and celebration rooms of AltaGracia. La Bodega del Centro is the after-hours bar that is open for special events. La Cantina is a classic pub with several games and billiards rooms available to all hotel guests. La Biblioteca is a warm and comfortable space where guests can enjoy private movie screenings, or a book by the fireplace. Finally, The Firepit offers the best vantage point for taking in the incredible surrounding views with a bottle of wine in hand.

Accommodation: Hacienda AltaGracia (5*)

Overlooking the exceptionally beautiful "Valle del General," Hacienda AltaGracia offers an incomparable natural setting on 350 lush hectares of land. The Hacienda is designed for guests seeking a private vacation retreat with all the comforts of home and access to world-class Costa Rica dining, an exceptional Spa and Fitness program, and a wide variety of recreational activities. Enjoy the very best that Costa Rica has to offer within a Hacienda environment – the beauty is all yours to explore and experience.

Pacuare River

Hacienda AltaGracia

Day 5:Perez Zeledon

On AltaGracia’s vast property you will find two ‘Tienditas’ (little shops). First is the Wine Shop where you can enjoy private tastings of the finest wines. The other is a gift shop that carries handcrafted souvenirs by Costa Rican artisans.

Embark on an equestrian experience that you will be sure to remember for years to come - begin at AltaGracia’s world-class equestrian center where you will get to know your horse. Then allow the guides to accompany you through unpaved trails throughout the Hacienda property where you will get to enjoy unsurpassed views of the Brunqueña and Talamanca Mountains.

Private transfer with professional driver from Hacienda Alta Gracia to Puerto Jimenez.

You will be met at the air strip in Puerto Jiminez and transferred to the Lapa Rios Eco lodge along with other guests of the lodge on a beautiful—occasionally bumpy—45 minute trip in one of the property's jungle taxis. Be prepared for a few bumps and river crossings. The driver will point out birds and monkeys along the way, and depending on the road condition you should arrive at Lapa Rios within an hour. The hotel staff will welcome you, get you checked in and provide an eco lodge orientation: what to do/not to do, outline tours and activities, explain ecotourism’s sustainable practices and answer questions. If you arrive during a mealtime, feel free to proceed to the restaurant; check-in and orientation will follow. By the time you complete your Lapa Rios welcome, your luggage will have been delivered to your beautiful bungalow.

Included during your stay, you'll get to enjoy a hiking tour to beautiful wild waterfalls. Hike through the virgin rainforest to pristine waterfalls and splash back along the Carbonera River. This is a fun rainforest experience for hardy hikers with adventurous, challenging hiking and a chance to swim under a waterfall. This is a medium to difficult hike.

Accommodation: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge

The Lapa Rios Eco lodge is situated in a private 1000 acre rainforest reserve with direct access to three nearby beaches: Pan Dulce, Backwash Bay and Matapalo. The property overlooks the point at which the Pacific Ocean meets the Golfo Dulce and has many nature trails where you’re sure to see many of the special creatures from the Osa Peninsula. Fall asleep to the lull of distant waves. Awake to the sunrise and the call of howler monkeys. Step outside your bungalow where a thermos of Costa Rican coffee is waiting for you. The bungalows are open-air with screens that allow you to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalows have ceiling fans (no air-conditioning) and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or Golfo Dulce from your bed or your spacious, private decks. This property was named one of National Geographic’s Most Unique Lodges in the World.

Scarlet Macaw

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge

Day 7:Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula)

Included during your stay, you'll get to enjoy a rainforest ridge walking tour. Hike down along the cool ridges of Lapa Rios’ most impressive primary and secondary forest as your guide highlights the hidden treasures of the rainforest. This is an excellent opportunity to see rare and unusual flora and fauna, and a great hike to truly immerse yourself into the wonders of the rainforest. This is a medium to difficult hike.

Enjoy a guided sunset walking tour as you search for rare and exotic birds - highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts and novices alike. High quality binoculars are available and your guide will help to identify the myriad of birds who call this jungle home.

Accommodation: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge

Rainforest Ridge Walk

Sunset Birds Tour

Day 8:Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula)

As a guest at Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, you have a multitude of activities available to you at no additional charge. Choose to partake in a birdwatching tour, or a guided beach hike, or perhaps a night hike in the rainforest to spot nocturnal creatures. Other guided hiking options include a guided hike along the Osa Trail which descends through the reserve’s most remote and pristine forest filled with enormous trees and breathtaking views of the rainforest. A Rainforest ridge walk is also a possibility as is a starfish walking tour where you can learn about the marine biology of the Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world.

Please speak with your Sales Advisor if you would like to add any of these tours into your customized program.

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Grano de Oro: San José

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home with all the amenities of a fine hotel. Hallways lined with period photographs and original art meander through the building and present lush tropical flower arrangements and luxurious plants at every turn. Service is paramount and the perpetually smiling staff of the Hotel Grano de Oro welcome guests to their “home away from home” time and again. Located 20 minutes from the international airport and 10 minutes from the domestic airport, this San José hotel is ideally located for exploring San José, it’s museums and other local sites as well as for enjoying a host of day trips to the rainforest, volcanoes or experiencing the thrill of white water rafting.

Grano de Oro Hotel

Grano de Oro Hotel

Pacuare Lodge : Pacuare River

The Pacuare Lodge is nestled in a rainforest overlooking the Pacuare River, which National Geographic has listed as one of the worlds top ten scenic rivers. Getting to this exquisite eco-lodge is half the adventure, since you arrive and depart as part of a multi-day rafting tour on the Pacuare River. The spacious bungalows on-site contain the following amenities: a canopy king size bed, futon couch, hardwood flooring, private terrace, and a spacious private bathroom adorned with copper fixtures, private alfresco shower with solar heated water, and a nearly 360º rainforest view—all within an area seemingly removed from time and the worries of the outside world, yet just two and a half hours from San José, Costa Rica’s capital city. This property was named one of National Geographic’s Most Unique Lodges in the World.

Hacienda AltaGracia (5*): Perez Zeledon

Overlooking the exceptionally beautiful "Valle del General," Hacienda AltaGracia offers an incomparable natural setting on 350 lush hectares of land. The Hacienda is designed for guests seeking a private vacation retreat with all the comforts of home and access to world-class Costa Rica dining, an exceptional Spa and Fitness program, and a wide variety of recreational activities. Enjoy the very best that Costa Rica has to offer within a Hacienda environment – the beauty is all yours to explore and experience.

Hacienda AltaGracia

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge: Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula)

The Lapa Rios Eco lodge is situated in a private 1000 acre rainforest reserve with direct access to three nearby beaches: Pan Dulce, Backwash Bay and Matapalo. The property overlooks the point at which the Pacific Ocean meets the Golfo Dulce and has many nature trails where you’re sure to see many of the special creatures from the Osa Peninsula. Fall asleep to the lull of distant waves. Awake to the sunrise and the call of howler monkeys. Step outside your bungalow where a thermos of Costa Rican coffee is waiting for you. The bungalows are open-air with screens that allow you to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and the ocean. All bungalows have ceiling fans (no air-conditioning) and offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or Golfo Dulce from your bed or your spacious, private decks. This property was named one of National Geographic’s Most Unique Lodges in the World.

Sarah Roberts was fantastic, very available and responsive. Drivers and guides were all top rated, knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. The Springs hotel in La Fortunate was great!

Natalie D — November 07, 2017 — Central America

The trip was amazing. The itinerary worked out great. Kensington has always made an effort to have a representative meet with us upon arrival and go over the itinerary and discuss any matters we had questions about.Fabian was a very nice man and was attentive after our meeting. Our primary driver was Javier who was always pleasant and a joy to be with. Our primary guide was Marcos Jimenez. He was an excellent ambassador for Kensington and represented you very well. He was the consummate professional and was always very attentive and accommodating with us. In its entirety, Kensington organized a great trip that I would recommend to anyone. Thank you again for all of your help in planning this adventure.

Angela C — November 07, 2017 — Central America

We were lucky to have Victor as our guide in Arenal. He was fantastic. We learned so much from him. His enthusiasm was contagious.

Jean V — November 07, 2017 — Central America

Brandi Merchant is fantastic!!!! Her patience with my many questions and attention to detail, coupled with her warm, personable manner is just the best!

Cecelia B — November 07, 2017 — Central America

The experience exceeded my already high expectations. The guides were excellent: personable, knowledgeable, helpful, and fun to be with.

Robert Riordan — May 23, 2017 — Central America

The guides were key. Very knowledgeable and fun. They were very attuned to the level of exertion we could handle. Thanks to your eagle-eyed guides, we saw such a diversity of plants, birds and animals -- which we could never have spotted on our own. Great memories!

Angela Watson — May 23, 2017 — Central America

We had a wonderful time on our trip to Costa Rica. Our guides Francisco and Bernie both exceeded our expectations. They were able to answer any question we had on subjects that ranged from culture and customs to environment, ecology and much more. During our afternoons in the rainforest we were able to see a multitude of birds, two toed and three toed sloths, Congo and Capuchin monkeys, eyelash vipers, and all of the rainforest scenery. We came away with an understanding of the forest and its inhabitants and real respect for our guides who work hard to preserve the natural beauty of their country through preservation and ensuring responsible tourism. We couldn't be happier with any portion of our trip. It really was wonderful.

Alicia H. — August 10, 2016 — Central America

The guides in Arenal and Manuel Antonio were excellent and the Pacuare river rafting excursion in Arenal was awesome. It was an excellent break from winter in February!

Kay W. — June 15, 2016 — Central America

All of the drivers arrived early. Vans were very nice. Drivers were courteous. Tours were great.